He was born on July 17, 1926, in Milwaukee, to Joseph and Marie (nee
Miller) Waters, Sr. Joe’s life was to be one exciting and fascinating
journey. After graduating from high school, Joe joined the U.S. Navy and
served during World War II from Aug. 19, 1944, to July 2, 1946.

On Sept. 13, 1947, he was united in marriage to Amy Braxmeier at Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church in West Allis.

Early in their marriage, Joe built their first home in West Allis. Shortly
afterward, they moved to Chicago so Joe could attend engineering school.
After graduating, they moved back to Wisconsin and Joe started a career in
radio and television. He worked as a chief engineer at WOKY, WISN, WYLO,
and WBKV radio and television station Channels 19, 18 and 6.

In 1964, Joe and his family moved to West Bend after purchasing a farm
with another family. The farm was turned into Lazy Days Campground, which
is still in business 48 years later. In 1993, Joe got another idea and
built the Stoneridge Golf Course, which is currently run by his son,
Eric. Throughout the years Joe was president of WACO and NACO, as
well as other organizations. He helped set standards for campgrounds in
the state of Wisconsin.

During the winter months, Joe and Amy traveled extensively with special
trips to Spain, Portugal, Guatemala and Mexico. Later they spent a
peaceful time in Gulfport, MS. Amy passed away on Feb. 21, 2001.

Joseph is survived by four children, Joseph (Carol) Waters III of Adell,
Frederic (Patricia) Waters of Westfield, Ellen (Jim) Votaw of Oak Creek,
and Eric Waters of the town of Farmington; son-in-law, James Czaja of
New London; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; three sisters,
Rose-Marie Koberstein of San Diego, CA, Genevieve "Dolly" Zeh of
Dayton, OH, and Ruth Jahn of South Haven, MN; one brother, William
"Bill" (Beverly) Waters of Santa Barbara, CA; nieces; nephews;
other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Amy; a daughter,
Lisa Czaja; and two brothers, Elward Waters and Robert Waters.

Joe’s 85 years of life were filled with work, family and looking forward
to all the new plans he dreamed of. He will be greatly missed by all who
knew and loved him. Peace Joe…now is your time to share with the loved
ones who have gone before you. We long to see you in the future.

Funeral services in remembrance of Joe will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18,
at 1:30 p.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St.,
West Bend, with the Rev. Robert Korytkowski of St. Andrew Lutheran Church
officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10
a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Washington
County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association or the
Kidney Foundation are appreciated.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Rajish Trivedi for his ongoing care of
Joseph. He truly gave us many more months to share with Dad. We would also
like to thank Dr. Malik, Dr. Afzal, and the fantastic people at the Aurora
Clinic. Heartfelt thanks to Kim, Judy, Pat and Chaplin John of the VNA, as
well as the caring people at Zilber Hospice who gave Joe his final
care.